At the risk of sounding Eagle-ish (and I'm already ducking for cover), let me just say that I totally agree, Frank! Before I made my first casing pen, I did a search (including the archives) for everything I could find here on casing pens. I formulated my own ideas on how to achieve certain results or accomplish a fit here or there. Then I experimented and in the process, I found what would and wouldn't work for me. Even after a few PM exchanges with other turners that had done quite a few of this type (after posting my first attempt), I stayed largely with what worked best for me. Experimentation (at least for me) is one of the things I like most about pen turning. And you don't have to be an engineer to figure things out. Yes, it might be easier if some one would spoon feed me the how-to's for everything, but I wouldn't really learn anything from the process. JMO here and I'm not trying to start something with the newbs. It's been said many times, this isn't rocket science and there's probably a few dozen ways to accomplish the same result. One only needs to find the way that works best for them and a little thought will help bring this about.
Didn't mean to hijack your rant, Frank.
Okay, let the shoosting begin (movie quote).
EDIT: Let me add that I've asked my share of questions here, but 1) only when I couldn't find the answer I was looking for in the archives (and sometimes it was because I didn't look hard enough and was pointed to the right place), and 2) when I tried something new and experienced a problem or situation where I needed additional information, or even chastisement. I'm not telling anyone not to ask questions. We are here to share information and learn from one another. Just try to be smart about the questions you ask. Hope that makes sense!